How to install VMware Workstation 15 Pro (2019) on Windows 10

Virtual Machines, also called hypervisor or Virtual Machine Monitor have been around for quite sometime and allow us to run multiple operating system on the same physical machine. They are the backbone of the corporate IT infrastructure but can also be used on personal computers to experiment/work on various other operating systems without having to use other options such as duel boot or do a clean install on the existing PC.
In this post let me show how you can install one of such software VMware workstation 15 on your windows 10 PC.

You can start by watching the video first. This video is for VMware Workstation 12, but it should work for VMware Workstation 15 as well. Rest of the blog will show how to install VMware Workstation 15 on Windows.

Please note that, VMware Workstation is not a freeware and can be purchased from the VMware Store. They do provide 30 day trial, but if you are looking for a free version of the software, you can try VMware Player, which is free for personal use and paid for Business use. For the free version, not all the features will be available, but is sufficient for personal needs.

If you would like to install VMware player on your system, please follow my post here.

Lets get started. Installing the software is fairly straight forward. All you have to do is to download the installer from the website, run it and follow the instructions. Below are the steps:

Step 1- Download Link

Link for downloading the software is this. Download the software for windows. Good thing is that there is no signup process. Click and download begins. Software is around 513 MB.

Step 2- Download the installer file

It should probably be in the download folder by default, if you have not changed the settings in your browser. File name should be something like VMware-workstation-full-15.1.0-13591040.exe. This file name can change depending on the version of the software currently available for download. But for now, till the next version is available, they will all be VMware Workstation 15 Pro.

Step 3- Locate the downloaded installer file

For demonstration purpose, I have placed the downloaded installer on my desktop. Find the installer on your system and double click to launch the application.

VMware workstation 15 pro for windows 10 installer file screenshot.

Step 4- User Access Control (UAC) Warning

Now you should see User Access Control (UAC) dialog box. Click yes to continue.

VMware Workstation 12 Pro installer windows 10 UAC screenshot

Initial Splash screen will appear. Wait for the process to complete.

VMware Workstation 15 Installation Splash Screen

Step 5- VMware Workstation Setup wizard

Now you will see VMware Workstation setup wizard dialog box. Click next to continue.

VMware Workstation 15 Installation – Setup Wizard

Step 6- End User Licence Agreement

This time you should see End User Licence Agreement dialog box. Check “I accept the terms in the Licence Agreement” box and press next to continue.

VMware Workstation 15 Installation – End User Licence Agreement

Step 7- Custom Setup options

Select the folder in which you would like to install the application. There is no harm in leaving the defaults as it is. Also select Enhanced Keyboard Driver check box.

VMware Workstation 15 Pro installation – select installation folder

Step 8- User Experience Settings

Next you are asked to select “Check for Updates” and “Help improve VMware Workstation Pro”. Do as you wish. I normally leave it to defaults that is unchecked.

VMware Workstation 15 Installation – User Experience Settings

Step 9- Application Shortcuts preference

Next step is to select the place you want the shortcut icons to be placed on your system to launch the application. Please select both the options, desktop and start menu and click next.

Step 10- Installation begins

Below screenshot shows Installation in progress. Wait for this to complete.

Screenshot for VMware Workstation 15 pro installation process.

At the end you will see installation complete dialog box. Click finish and you are done with the installation process. You may be asked to restart your computer. Click on Yes to restart.

VMware Workstation 15 Installation – Installation Complete

Step 11- Launch VMware Workstation

After the installation completes, you should see VMware Workstation icon on the desktop. Double click on it to launch the application.

Screenshot for VMware Workstation 15 Pro icon on windows 10 desktop.

Step 12- Licence Key

If you see the dialog box asking for licence key, click on trial or enter the licence key. Then what you have is the VMware Workstation 15 Pro running on your windows 10 desktop. If don’t have the licence key, you will have 30 days trial.

VMware Workstation 15 Pro home screen

Step 13- At some point if you decide to buy

At some point of time if you decide to buy the Licence key, you can enter the Licence key by going to Help->Enter a Licence Key
You can enter the 25 character licence key in the dialog box shown below and click OK. Now you have the licence version of the software.

Underneath a boring IT professional lies a passionate student of computer science. I love computers and this blog is about everyday computer issues that a common man faces. Through this blog I try to reconnect with my long forgotten self.